Beckman recently had a chance to familiarize himself with the
Jennings-owned funny car at a test session at Auto Club Famoso Raceway,
located outside of Bakersfield, Calif., where he ran an
on-and-off-the-throttle 6.07 seconds at 224 mph.

"It's great to have Jack take time out of his busy pro
schedule to come and play with us on his off weekend," said Jennings. "He
is such a great driver that I know he'll do well and have a lot of
fun at the same time."

Beckman, who currently sits in the 11th spot in Funny Car points, will
attempt to qualify for one of 16 elimination positions at this race,
which is the second event on the Mickey Thompson Championship Drag Racing
Series.

"Ever since I was 7 years old I have always dreamed of driving a
nitro Funny Car," said Beckman, of North Hills, Calif., and the 2003 NHRA
Super Comp champion. "Next month I get to drive two of the best in the
country: Don Schumacher's Vavoline/MTS Dodge Charger and Lee Jennings
Sr.'s 'American Revolution' Chevy Camaro.

"Being a sportsman competitor for over 22 years, I have raced at
Sacramento Raceway dozens of times. It will be awesome to come back and
perform in front of some of the best drag-racing fans there. I'm
crossing the days off until April 24."